Recession even affecting Little League

Walter "Pop" Smith Little League President Gary Chambers, left, is struggling to keep the league going for kids like Jordan Bright, right. In the background at Bowen Field in New Haven are members of the Little League's board. (Melanie Stengel/Register)

NEW HAVEN -- Leaders of the Walter "Pop" Smith Little League know it's more important than ever to keep kids off the streets this spring and summer, playing baseball, but the economic crisis will make that task much harder this season.

The league lost eight sponsors in 2008, and so far only two have committed to backing a team this year. Because each sponsor kicks in $600, the eight pull outs cost the league $4,800.

"So far, enrollment has been slow, too," said Gary Chambers, the league president. "Only about 40-45 players have signed up, and the season will be here before you know it."

Last year, about 300 players participated in the league's 22 teams. But with a registration cost of $60 per player (although nobody is required to pay), fewer and fewer kids are likely to show up with the full fee. This means more costs for the league to absorb.

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Finding volunteer coaches also is becoming a bigger problem.

"We've had a shortage of coaches the last three years," Chambers said. "In this economy, nobody wants to do something for nothing. People want to get paid."

Yet another concern is the financial situation at the city's Department of Parks, Recreation and Trees, which has been hit hard by layoffs. League officials know they will have to do more of the field maintenance themselves this year.

The Walter "Pop" Smith officials are carrying on a proud history. The league was founded in the mid-1950s and its players represented the state at the Little League World Series in 1974.

"We want to remind everyone how long we've been here," said league board member Don McAulay. "We've withstood a lot. Now we need new volunteers and sponsors. In order for us to make it through the current financial environment, we'll need more people to recognize our history and support us."

League games are played at fields near Hillhouse High School. Most of the players, who compete in different levels, ages 4-12, come from Newhallville, the Hill or City Point.

Officials at the city's other Little Leagues share the same worries. Ken Ayers, treasurer and coach of two teams for the Eddie Sheehan Little League in East Rock, said, "This year I anticipate more scholarship needs and less participation."

As for the sponsors, Ayers noted they include law firms and restaurants. "They might find it difficult this year handing over a few hundred bucks."

Mel Zeidenberg, president of the Westville Little League, said he thinks his longtime sponsors will remain, but he has lost about three teams over the past several years.

"A lot of them are having trouble paying for it," he said of the players who are asked to pay a $70 enrollment fee (T-Ball is only about $20). Zeidenberg noted no one is forced to pay, but he predicts the league will have 25-30 fewer players this year than last season.

Representatives for Little Leagues in the Annex and Fair Haven could not be reached for comment.

Orange Little League President Paul Gusmano said his organization also is seeing a drop in sponsorships as a sign of the times. While there are usually more sponsorship offers than teams, so far this year only about 12 of the needed 35 have stepped up to the plate, Gusmano said.

"It's at the point where it is becoming a concern," he said, adding the league soon will do a big push in seeking sponsors. The league serves about 500 youths 12 and younger.

Gusmano said there has not been a big dropoff in the number of youths registering to play, but there was a "huge increase" in the number who registered late this year, which he also saw as a result of tight times.

Chris Downs, a spokesman for the national Little League organization in Williamsport, Pa., said it's too soon in the year to know whether leagues are experiencing financial difficulty.

During a recent board meeting, Walter "Pop" Smith leaders appealed to the public for help.

"We implore all alumni to give us a call or stop by the fields," said league Vice President Lynair Walker. "If you can't be there, send us a check or money order."